Windshield wiper blades squeaking

[deeselcyde]

I just purchased new wiper blades (Duralast Flex) from Autozone before this last weekend. We had our first little rainstorm in SoCal this weekend and noticed that after about ten swipes when the windshield was wet it started squeaking at the top on the cycle (when the wipers got to the top) and at the bottom of the cycle (when the wipers go to the bottom). I never noticed this on my stock ones. I cleaned my windshield very well because I thought it might have been kicked up oil, grime, etc. Still the same.

I talked to Autozone and told them and they said I could bring them back and they recommended the Bosch Icon's. For these Duralast I paid about 35 bucks out the door. I know the Icons are a little more expensive. Let's be real, I live in SoCal, it's not like I live in Seattle, so they're not THAT important. I'll probably have to use them 10-15 times this winter. Any recommendations on new blades or is there something I can do to the windshield to make it not squeak when the blades change directions?

Thanks.

[DLS]

If your windshield is clean and the tension on the wiper arms are correct (and I can't imagine that would not be the case unless you've had something damage the arms) then the fault lies with the blades, so changing them should solve your problem.

I lived in the Pacific Northwest for decades, where it does rain ... a lot! For example, in the last 2.5 weeks there has been only two dry days. So wipers are a bit more important to me than to you. What I've found is that the higher end blades are not worth the money. They will wear out / rot out (yes we get UV even with all the cloud cover) all about the same rate. and the premium blades don't dry the glass any better than the discount blades.

So I buy whatever is on sale at Wal-Mart near the end of summer and am good all the way through the wet season (Sept-May). At that price it makes no sense NOT to buy a new set each year.

Hope this helps.

[deeselcyde]

Thank you for your insight. I'm bringing these damn things back and going to go for something cheaper. If they upgrade me for free to the Bosch then I obviously won't complain. My stock blades lasted me over two years. Maybe my tensions is too strong on these newer ones, who knows.

[gameguru1360]

you also might want to apply Rain-X to your windshield as well. I've found that applying 2-3 coats of Rain-X helps to make cleaning the windows easier and creates less chatter with the wipers if they're getting old

[deeselcyde]

Just took those crappy ones back and got some Bosch (I believe they're called Insights). It has the metal bracket but seems to be better. No more squeaks from what I can tell. I have some Rain X as well. Will try that out this weekend.

[twista]

I love Rain x. Most of the time I don't even need to have the wipers on, it just glides off. But of course with harder rain I'll use them.

I also use the defogger rain x on the inside of the windows works awesome

[gameguru1360]

yeah when you're on the freeway, you only need to put the wipers on intermittent or low with Rain-X.

That anti-fog works wonders too!! And it works so good on the bathroom mirrors!!!

[ChinamanChong]

i live in socal, where it doesnt rain often, but i still use my wipers at least a few times a week.
i use the rainx brand window washer fluid w/ bug remover, although it doesnt work as well as the standalone rain x, this only needs to be applied with my wipers. i noticed with constant use, my window stays cleaner longer, nothing really builds up on it, dew in the mornings doesnt even condensate onto where it is applied.

[702L32]

i had the BOSCH Icons on my alti and never had any noise issues. you may need to clean the pores of the windshield. i already liquid clayed my windshield prior to the new wipers so i never had any noise before or after install of the icons. usually putting products on the windshield can actually cause the blades to chatter. ive used rainx products in the past and didnt like it after initial application and have stayed away since.

[N1rve]

You missed the Costco sale on wiper blades. 7.99 for 2. Goodyear. They are good. Don't squeak.

[deeselcyde]

Originally Posted by N1rve

You missed the Costco sale on wiper blades. 7.99 for 2. Goodyear. They are good. Don't squeak.

It's funny you mention that. I had that coupon in hand about a month ago and just forgot about it because the weather down here was about 80 degrees.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by deeselcyde

It's funny you mention that. I had that coupon in hand about a month ago and just forgot about it because the weather down here was about 80 degrees.

Yeah..it was like 90 something here in LA. I bought the wiper blades and installed them when it got cooler.

[gameguru1360]

I live in Socal as well and yes it doesn't rain as often but having Rain-X makes cleaning the windshield from dirt and dust much easier or wiping away the dew when it's night time and cold outside.

[xnick101]

Buy Meguiars tech wax 2.0. Wax your windshield, Smooth as ever!

[702L32]

^+1 waxing is good too. in fact wax all your windows